Private 15-Day Gambia and Eastern Senegal Birding Tour
A private 15-day route from coastal Gambia to Niokolo-Koba, combining wetlands, savanna, riverine forest, boat birding and Eastern Senegal wildlife country.
About this tour
Follow a private cross-border birding route from the Atlantic coast of The Gambia to the dry woodland, savanna and river habitats of Eastern Senegal. YaYa Barry guides the full 15-day journey, beginning with coastal sites around Kotu, Brufut, Tanji, Tujering, Gunjur and Kartong before the itinerary turns inland through Bonto, Pirang, Tendaba and Kiang West.
The middle of the tour tracks east along the River Gambia corridor. Rice fields, wetlands, open country and woodland stops around Morgan Kunda, Kaur, Wassu, Janjanbureh and Bansang create opportunities for waterbirds, raptors, coursers, bustards, kingfishers and Sahelian species. Boat outings at Tendaba, Kuntaur and Janjanbureh add mangrove and freshwater perspectives to the road-based sessions.
After the Senegal crossing, the route reaches Wassadou and Niokolo-Koba National Park. Birding here shifts toward broad savanna, mature woodland and riverine habitat, with the possibility of wider wildlife encounters. The return journey uses different wetland and woodland stops before a final coastal session near Farasutu, Abuko and Cape Creek.
The published price starts at £2,250 per person for a private group of ten. Standard and premium rates vary with group size. The listed package includes 14 nights’ accommodation, meals, private air-conditioned transport, professional birding guidance, a driver and fuel, the scheduled boat trips, entrance fees, border arrangements and drinking water. Wildlife sightings depend on season, access and natural conditions.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to The Gambia.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and coastal introduction
Meet YaYa at Banjul International Airport and transfer to the coast. If time allows, begin with an easy birding session around Kotu Creek, nearby ponds, the Cycle Track or Fajara Golf Course.
Day 2
Brufut Woods and Tanji
Use the morning for woodland birds at Brufut. The afternoon shifts to Tanji Bird Reserve and nearby coastal habitat for resident species and Palearctic migrants.
Day 3
Tujering, Gunjur, Kartong and the Halahein River
Work the woodland around Tujering and Gunjur before visiting Kartong wetlands. A Halahein River boat trip adds mangrove, wader, heron, tern and kingfisher habitat.
Day 4
Bonto, Pirang and Bintang
Leave the coast and pause for birds in Bonto Forest and around the ponds at Pirang. Spend time at the Mendy Kunda photography hide before reaching the Bintang or AbCa’s Creek area.
Day 5
Bintang rice fields and Tendaba
Begin around the Bintang and Kampanti rice fields for wetland and agricultural birds. After reaching Tendaba, take a boat excursion through the Tunku and Kissi Bolongs.
Day 6
Kiang West and Bateling Track
Cover savanna and woodland in Kiang West during the cooler hours, including Bateling Track, then continue around Tendaba’s wetland edges.
Day 7
North-bank route to Morgan Kunda
Cross by the Senegambia Bridge and use habitat-based stops along the north-bank route. Finish with an afternoon search for bustards, raptors and woodland birds near Morgan Kunda.
Day 8
Farafenni, Kaur, Wassu and Kuntaur
Move east through Farafenni wetlands, Solomon Waterhole, Kaur and Wassu. A River Gambia boat trip near Kuntaur adds waterbirds and riverine species before the route continues toward Bansang.
Day 9
Janjanbureh and Kunkiling Forest
Search Kunkiling Forest and Janjanbureh woodland for inland species, then return to the river by boat. The late session can extend to open-country birds and nightjars when conditions permit.
Day 10
Crossing to Wassadou
Travel from Bansang to the Senegal border and onward to Wassadou, using roadside birding opportunities where timing and access allow. An evening or next-morning river outing may be arranged locally.
Day 11
Wassadou and Niokolo-Koba
Use the dry woodland, savanna and river edges near Wassadou as an introduction to the wider Niokolo-Koba landscape, with time for birds and broader wildlife.
Day 12
Deeper into Niokolo-Koba
Continue toward Simenti and bird suitable park habitats throughout the day. The route broadens the search across savanna and woodland while allowing for possible large-mammal encounters.
Day 13
Simenti to Kudang
Begin near Simenti, then turn west and cross back into The Gambia. Finish with wetland and open-country birding around Jahally rice fields and Kudang.
Day 14
Wetland stops on the return coastward
Use Dalaba, Soma and other productive roadside habitats to break the westbound journey, with lunch around Tendaba before returning to coastal Gambia.
Day 15
Farasutu, Abuko and departure
Choose the final stops according to flight time, with Farasutu Forest, Abuko Fields and Cape Creek among the options. Later departures may allow an additional local session before the airport transfer.
Locations & map
- Coastal Gambia birding circuit - Kotu, Brufut, Tanji, Tujering, Gunjur and Kartong Gambia (Coastal wetland, mangrove and woodland habitats.)
- Tendaba and River Gambia corridor - Lower and Central River regions Gambia (Rice fields, savanna woodland, riverine habitat and wetlands.)
- Niokolo-Koba and Wassadou - Eastern Senegal Senegal (Dry woodland, savanna and riverine habitats.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Dates are arranged for private groups. Birding conditions and access vary by season, weather and local conditions.
Included
- Fourteen nights’ accommodation - Standard or premium accommodation according to the selected package.
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners - Meals across the 15-day itinerary.
- Private air-conditioned transportation, driver and fuel - Road travel throughout the published route.
- Professional specialist birding guide - YaYa personally guides the private itinerary.
- Boat trips in The Gambia and Senegal - Scheduled river and bolong excursions.
- Entrance fees and border arrangements - Includes Niokolo-Koba National Park and published border arrangements.
- Drinking water - Bottled drinking water throughout the route.
Not included
- International flights - Travel to and from The Gambia is not included.
- Insurance and visa costs - Requirements depend on nationality and circumstances.
- Personal purchases and gratuities - Includes alcoholic or soft drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips and other personal expenses.
Transport & stays
- Private air-conditioned overland route with river The published package includes the vehicle, driver, fuel, scheduled boat trips and border-crossing arrangements. | Meet: Banjul International Airport or agreed coastal hotel | Pickup: Arrival and departure transfers are matched to the confirmed flight schedule.
Accommodations
- Coastal, riverside and national-park accommodation
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
What is the difference between standard and premium?
Both packages cover the complete birding route. Premium uses higher-category rooms where available.
Do I need a visa for Senegal?
Requirements depend on nationality. Travelers should check current Senegal entry rules well before departure; any visa cost is not included.
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No. The route covers varied habitats, but birds and other wildlife remain dependent on season, weather, access and natural conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.